Barça to be without Agüero for 3 months

Barcelona, Nov 1 (EFE).- FC Barcelona forward Sergio “Kun” Agüero, who left the pitch with chest pains during a LaLiga match over the weekend, will be sidelined for at least three months, the club said Monday.

“Following a cardiac exam, Barça striker Agüero has undergone a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure with Dr. Josep Brugada today. Over the next three months the effectiveness of the treatment will be evaluated to determine when he can come back,” the team said.

The Argentine star, who came over to Barcelona during the summer on a free transfer from Manchester City, had to come off in the 42nd minute of Saturday’s game at Camp Nou after experiencing pain in his chest and difficulty breathing.

Though Agüero, 33, walked off the field under his own power, the medical staff decided to send him to the hospital, where he has remained for the last two nights.

The tests indicated the presence of a cardiac arrhythmia.

“I am fine and very enthusiastic to tackle the process of recovery. I want to thank everyone for the many, many messages of support and affection that make my heart stronger today,” Agüero tweeted Monday from the hospital.

Sergi Barjuan, Barcelona’s interim coach pending the appointment of a successor to the fired Ronald Koeman, acknowledged that the team will feel the loss of Agüero.

“Agüero is an important player for us and his absence is a setback,” Barjuan told a press conference Monday.

Besides missing games with Barça, Agüero will be unavailable for Argentina in upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil. EFE gmh-sd/dr